Co3O4-decorated carbon nanotubes as a novel efficient catalyst in the selective oxidation of benzoins

Abstract

An efficient and facile air oxidation of benzoins in the presence of the heterogeneous catalyst, Co 3 O 4 –CNTs nanocomposite, has been developed. It thus constitutes a very simple, clean, economical and selective method for the aerobic preparation of benzils from the corresponding benzoins. The catalyst can be re-used a number of times without losing its catalytic activity to a greater extent.